Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a statewide non-profit organization with a mission to "provide education and financing opportunities for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them to acquire assistive technology (AT) devices and services that improve the quality of their lives." Assistive technology is defined as any device that helps a person with a disability do the things they want to do. Examples include: hearing aids to help someone hear; an iPad to help someone learn or communicate; an adapted vehicle to help someone go to the movies or to work; a ramp to help someone get into or out of their home. Smart home technology may also be considered AT -- an individual who cannot use their hands well can use the Echo to turn on or off lights and a fan, make phone calls and so much more!

PATF is Pennsylvania's Alternative Financing Program (AFP) as designated by the federal Assistive Technology Act. PATF is also a state and federally-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

PATF has four programs:

1. Information & Assistance services about funding resources in PA, vendors, and retailers.
2. Low-interest and no-interest cash loans for the purchase of AT. PATF also incorporates credit-building opportunities with the loan programs.
3. Financial education opportunities so that people with disabilities will have the tools they need to be more in charge of their financial future.

PATF helps Pennsylvanians of:

• All disability and health diagnoses
• All income levels
• All ages